CGTN poll: 'Taiwan independence' activities draw widespread criticism from global respondents

A series of recent "Taiwan independence" activities by the authorities in China's Taiwan region have been met with strong condemnation from the international community. A survey conducted by CGTN shows that an overwhelming majority of respondents (89.8 percent) believe the one-China principle has become a broad global consensus, criticizing the Taiwan authorities for their "despicable schemes" for independence and provocation.

There is but one China in the world, and Taiwan is an inalienable part of the Chinese territory – this is the real status quo across the Taiwan Strait. Once and for all, UN General Assembly Resolution 2758 resolved, politically, legally, and procedurally, the issue of China's representation at the UN, including that of Taiwan. It affirms that the one-China principle is not only an unshakable political foundation but also an integral part and parcel of the existing international order. According to the survey, 90.2 percent of the respondents believe that all countries should abide by the UN resolution. Meanwhile 87.7 percent of the respondents said that only by upholding the one-China principle and the 1992 Consensus, can peace and stability in the Taiwan region be reliably ensured, while enabling Taiwan's economy to gain greater space and certainty through cross-Strait cooperation and integrated development.

Recently, the Taiwan authorities attempt to seek "independence" and resisted reunification through military buildup. In the survey, 89.1 percent of the respondents believe that the Taiwan authorities' plan to build an air defense system and to significantly increase defense spending by 2030 would further escalate tensions across the Strait. Another 82.7 percent said such moves would significantly increase the financial burden on Taiwan's residents and push them toward the brink of war.

Only by adhering to the one-China principle, opposing "Taiwan independence," jointly promoting the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations, and advancing the complete reunification of the nation can we ensure the correct path for fostering harmony, stability, and well-being in the Taiwan region. The survey also found that 92.6 percent believe peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait are vital to the security of the Asia-Pacific region and the world. Meanwhile, 92.7 percent said that the mainstream public aspiration in the Taiwan region is peace, development and exchanges, rather than war, recession and separation – and urged the Taiwan authorities to align with the public opinion and immediately stop provocations to avoid escalating the situation in the Taiwan Strait.

China firmly opposes any form of official interactions between China's Taiwan region and countries having diplomatic ties with China. Beijing urges a handful of  foreign politicians visiting Taiwan to stop interfering in China's internal affairs and to immediately cease supporting "Taiwan independence" activities. According to the survey, 91.1 percent of the respondents believe the Taiwan question should be solved by the Chinese people themselves, without outside interference. Furthermore, 80.6 percent expressed concerns that the continued provocations by the Taiwan authorities could drag China and the United States into conflict and confrontation, while 81.5 percent urged the U.S. government to handle the Taiwan question with caution and demonstrate its clear opposition to "Taiwan independence" through concrete actions.

The CGTN poll – published in English, Spanish, French, Arabic and Russian – received responses from 13,650 people within 24 hours.

(Cover: Skyline view of Taiwan region, May 24, 2019. /CFP)